How the Vegas Golden Knights should tackle the Seattle Kraken this season

The two expansion teams will duke it out in the Pacific Division this season. Here's how the Vegas Golden Knights should tackle their rivals this season.

2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken
2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken | Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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Should the Vegas Golden Knights be wary of the Kraken this season?

The Seattle Kraken will be a team that flies under the radar for numerous reasons. They're led by Matthew Beniers, who got a new contract extension with the group. Adding Chandler Stephenson to the mix will make them faster and more fluid in their lineup, giving other teams more trouble.

That could include the Vegas Golden Knights, who are banking on Adin Hill to stay healthy. It might be problematic for a team looking to recapture that Stanley Cup magic from 2023 if he's hurt. How they'll respond with their defensive pairings and forecheck will indicate how they'll fare during their matchups.

If the Golden Knights stay out of the penalty box and let Seattle make mistakes, that will make life easy for themselves. They're deep at the center position and have wingers with tremendous upside. That, paired with the forecheck and defensive pressure, will help Vegas handle their matchups against their fellow expansion team.

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